I used both, depending on what I felt was most clear and relevant.
For example:
“Margaret is the only woman in the play with any strength.” Discuss.
Against the backdrop of Yorkist England, William Shakespeare’s historical tragedy Richard III explores the Machiavellian journey to power of anti-hero protagonist Richard Duke of Gloucester. However, the play also delves into the roles of women in this period and the subtle acts of power and defiance they possess against such a “tyrant”. Whilst the play predominantly details Richard’s unbridled quest for power, Shakespeare shows that although the royal women of the play are unable to prevent his inexorable progress, they are frequently given the role as a lamenting and cursing Seneca-like chorus, a role that gives them moral strength. Queen Margaret plays the role of a Shakespearean commentator, as she vindictively curses not only Richard, but also his wider family. Queen Elizabeth, the Dutchess of York and Lady Anna play a similar yet far more subtle role, as they are able to see through Richard’s “dissembling” nature and hence, fulfill an important role against him and his quest for the throne.
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That one uses mostly my own language, this one has more of an incorporation of both
‘The play shows Richard in such a way that it is impossible for an audience to feel any sympathy for him.’ Discuss.
Against the backdrop of Yorkist England, William Shakespeare’s historical tragedy Richard III explores the Machiavellian journey to power of anti-hero protagonist Richard Duke of Gloucester. From his opening soliloquy, Richard desires to establish himself as a villain, describing himself to the audience as one who is “determined to prove a villain”. Through his unbridled quest for England’s throne, he utilises his charm to align others with his views and manipulate them to carry out his plans. Furthermore, Richard’s brilliance in speech encapsulates his audience and makes them feel as though they are also in the thick of his plotting. However, his opening soliloquy also attempts to justify his “tyrannous” actions. Feeling that he is “cheated of feature by dissembling nature”, he tries to show his audience that despite the wickedness of his actions to come, his villainy is somewhat reasonable and justified. As the play progresses, the audience is frequently reminded of the hatred that Richard receives from others, further validating Richard’s actions. It is through this unique connection that Richard creates and sustains between himself and his audience that allows them to feel, despite acknowledging him as villain, some sympathy for his cause.
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(N.B. by no means am I a top English student haha, as you can see by my first line being the same in both hehehe xD)
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